Question Details

This type of thalassemia disease is Cooley anaemia

Options

A

Alloimmunization

B

Beta-thalassemia

C

Alpha-thalassemia

D

None of these

Correct Answer :

Beta-thalassemia

Solution :

The correct option is Beta-thalassemia.

Cooley's anemia is a severe form of thalassemia, which is an inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production. Specifically, Cooley's anemia is also known as Beta-thalassemia major.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of why this classification is correct:

1. Hemoglobin Structure: Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, is composed of two alpha chains and two beta globin chains. The synthesis of these chains is controlled by specific genes.

2. Beta-Thalassemia vs. Alpha-Thalassemia:
- Alpha-thalassemia occurs when there is a defect or mutation in the genes responsible for producing alpha globin chains.
- Beta-thalassemia occurs when there is a defect or mutation in the genes responsible for producing beta globin chains.

3. Cooley's Anemia: In 1925, the American pediatrician Thomas Benton Cooley first described this severe form of anemia. It represents the homozygous state of beta-thalassemia (Beta-thalassemia major), where both beta-globin genes are mutated, leading to a complete or near-complete lack of beta-globin chain synthesis. This results in severe anemia and requires regular blood transfusions.

Therefore, Cooley's anemia is classified under Beta-thalassemia.

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